dennis Schug

Each year since my first year of teaching, now 24 years ago, I lose sleep leading up to the opening days of school. I want to prepare and plan so I can make a good first impression and start the year off right. That torturous, exhausting ritual has followed me through my 13 years at…

Usually, I blog about my Learning Leadership journey – school, family, or professional learning – “safe” topics. Sticking to topics I have some degree of confidence in “knowing what I know” has worked for me. The topic of this post is different. So I ask any readers, old or new, to please extend me the…

No doubt, the experience of a global pandemic has been challenging for so many people, in unimaginable ways.  While by no means have I been impacted to the degree so many we learn about every day in the news, this experience has removed certain distractions, clearing the way for deeper reflection and time to consider…

“Find it, set your eyes on it, and watch the horizon.” This message was delivered to me in a most unexpected way, and from a most unexpected source. These words have remained with me, as leadership and learning wisdom, especially through uncertain times. The first time I heard these words, I was likely somewhere between…

This post is a collaboration between a group of middle school leaders from across the country.  Periodically, these passionate and dedicated middle school principals share their thoughts on issues of relevance for those “in the middle”.   Name one characteristic of all great middle school leaders. There are many roles leaders play in education.  Undoubtedly, positions…

This post is a collaboration between a group of middle school leaders from across the country.  Periodically, these passionate and dedicated middle school principals share their thoughts on issues of relevance for those “in the middle”.   Working at the middle-level is uniquely challenging.  Nobody can do it alone.   Who is your “go to” person? Dennis…

It turns out, what an old friend and mentor told me is true: Life moves fast. And if you’re not paying attention, you’ll miss it. I guess time does actually fly, regardless of whether or not you’re having fun. The last five years have gone by in what feels like the blink of an eye.…

This post is a collaboration between a group of middle school leaders from across the country.  Periodically, these passionate and dedicated middle school principals share their thoughts on issues of relevance for those “in the middle”.   ******************************************************************************************* The 2019-20 school year started over the past month across the country.  What are some “essentials” for middle…

“Dad, look how beautiful the sunrise is…” “Look up, Dad! Look at the stars!” These are the words of our daughter, that reverberate in my thoughts at the start and end of each day. Celebrating her 18th birthday at the end of next month reminds me that time moves fast – too fast. In the…